Hospitality Jamaica Cops JHTA Award

The Gleaner's tourism publication, Hospitality Jamaica, has been recognized by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) for its significant contribution to the country's tourism industry.

This is the first time in its 52 years of existence that the JHTA has created a special award for the media.

Hospitality Jamaica shared the spotlight with two other special awards recipients - the Jamaica Tourist Board's Visitor Relations Department and Carrole Guntley, director general in the Ministry of Tourism.

Lauding the bimonthly publication, the JHTA described it as attractive and professionally presented.

The association also posited that the work of the publication serves to engage the local population, heightens tourism awareness and contributes to the maintenance of a visitor-friendly environment.

This is the third award the publication has received in its eight years of existence. Its coordinator, Janet Silvera, was also recognized for her outstanding contribution.

In 2006, Silvera was the recipient of the American Express Award for Excellence in Tourism Reporting by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association and a year ago was the recipient of the Marcia Vickery-Wallace award for Excellence in Journalism.